Hi, It seems like a very long time since I have read the boards. Life gets so busy. First I wanted to extend my sympathy to Purball about Finnegan. We all feel your loss.
If you remember Simon passed his TDI at 1 year of age. He is now 22 months. WE are reguarly visited a local nursing home, after going through a volunteer program...so we can go at any time.
Simon is doing wonderful on his visits. We stay about an hour. I notice after that he really is tired. No more pulling ( a big problem I had) We have a Sensation Harness that works like a dream. We are known by name now. I always wear the same outfit...purple shirt, red hat, Simon wears a purple and red scarf. There are several goldens that visit that home. It is easier for the folks to recognize us wearing these bright and happy colors.
Simon has a repetoire (sp) of tricks. Of course, the High Five, and what I call Offer (shake), he will get a tissue froma box when I sneeze (they love that one) I say RUMBA and he will put his hands on my waist and dance with me, he catches food or objects with his mouth from great distances, I say go to sleep and he will lay flat on his side, and for Easter I taught him how to carry a basket.
If you recall, I had written about his dog agression with some dogs...one out of 10. I have been working with a positive reinforcement behavorist on this. Learning to notice his body language. I don't give him the chance to make a even a little growl (sometimes I am not quick enough). When I see him getting stiff and posturing I call him away give hima command to sit, and then reward him. We have taken two additional obedience classes and he was fine. It seems to be the strange dogs that run up to him uninvited. Sometimes I think he is protecting me.
He gets annoyed by puppies. Well He is not a perfect dog but I am learning his dislikes.
Sorry I have been away so long.
Ada and Simon
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